Now I think we have to focus on economic growth and a better Tax Code, but we are going to have to raise more money.

Americans from all corners of our Nation have become increasingly alarmed and angered by the explosion of spending, deficits, and debt they have seen come out of Washington, and they have a right to be.

How about let's go into debt.

There is no question that our fiscal future is tied to health care.

First, I want to applaud you, Chairman, for choosing to begin this year's budget season by focusing on our Nation's deficit and debt.

You have to do everything to get there.

I don't think we can go blindly and extend all the tax cuts. I think we need to think about whether that is the right policy and if so, how we would offset those costs.

Now, many of us here have warned for years about the unsustainable trajectory of Federal spending growth, particularly that of our largest entitlements, and what it means for America's economic and fiscal future.

The greatest factor in Washington's spending problem is the unsustainable growth of our largest entitlements.

We didn't get to this point because the Federal Government was being starved by American taxpayers; we are here because Washington spends too much.

We must also reform our largest and least sustainable entitlement programs, which are today on a path to grow themselves right into extinction.